To let that rainbow that crossed the radiance shine,
To open the gateway to a new world,
To forge a home for a transforming, world-destroying weapon,
To grant the ever-soaring dragon a place to land—
And to become the harbor where this girl can anchor herself—
Aslan began attempting to forge a magical artifact that could bind both parties of their contract, using the special medium that had once formed the basis of their pact.
That medium, which had once allowed them to sign their contract, had come into Aslan's hands purely by chance. Originally, he had intended to forge a pact with the Lady of the Lake, but unexpectedly, he failed to bind a fairy and instead gained a dragon maiden.
Aslan placed his hand over his chest. A faint light emerged from the magical script etched there in the language of the fae. From within that glowing rune, two rings slowly floated outward. The space within his chest could only hold these two rings—unlike that thunder god from another world who could hide a sword in his chest.
Still, if his knowledge of magic deepened, perhaps he could open up more space within his own body.
These two rings were originally part of a metallic tablet-like structure. According to some old bastard from Britain, the metal-like material was infused with an intense contractual logic and was definitely not something human beings from Earth could have crafted. It was likely a fragment from the core of a Herxian construct.
Why such a fragment had ended up in Britain remained a mystery.
It was by using this shard as a medium that Aslan was able to awaken Melusine and enter into a contract with her.
Now, Aslan sought to use this object, which preserved their bond, as the basis for crafting a magical tool. One that could preserve Melusine's current form even after she transformed into her true dragon shape.
If the dragon that soared the heavens had no place to rest, then he would be that resting place.
And if that dragon that flew among the stars must one day reach the other shore, then let him be the one to bind her there!
Using this contract as a foundation, he would forge a chain that none could sever—one that would keep Melusine by his side!
But Melusine was ultimately a fragment of the supreme dragon. The level of mysticism she carried was undoubtedly immense. To craft a contract and binding worthy of her was something far beyond Aslan's current capabilities—nothing short of a pipe dream.
Still, he had now fully mastered the forging arts related to weaponry and defense. For the sake of his and Melusine's future, Aslan furrowed his brow, contemplating whether it was time to return to human society.
If he wished to truly deepen his understanding of magic, the human world was still the better environment. No matter how beautiful he looked, he was still a human—different in nature from the fae.
He had already gained so much from the fae: their language, their script. That was more than enough. Though his old friend also knew magic, Aslan didn't believe that unreliable bastard would teach him anything. That guy seemed intent on letting events unfold according to the prophecies he had seen.
But those so-called prophecies—were they truly visions? Or... after all, that bastard's Thousand Eyes should only be able to see things as they were happening in the present.
Whatever the case, it wasn't something he could freely meddle in.
The Red Dragon and the White Dragon would one day fight. The Red Dragon would ultimately defeat the White Dragon, and with that, bring an end to the island's ancient mysticism...
And yet the Red Dragon, too, would step by step walk toward its inevitable decline.
"Aslan, what are you thinking about?"
Melusine looked at Aslan, dazed as he stared at the two rings in his hand. She tugged lightly at his sleeve, her eyes full of concern.
Aslan gently shook his head. He was simply overcome with emotion at the thought that the wheels of fate were finally beginning to turn. He didn't know what role he would play in this grand epic of destiny. After all, by blood, he had a deep and inseparable connection to the coming protagonist.
"No... it's nothing. Just some trivial thoughts. To me, nothing comes before you, Melusine. I was just wondering—if we head into the human world, will you feel uncomfortable?"
Melusine hugged Aslan, rubbing her cheek against his chest with joy. Her straightforward affection left even Aslan, who had lived two lives, feeling flustered.
No... come to think of it, this was actually his first real romance in both lives, wasn't it?
And if he calculated it properly, with his years of forging and magical training, wasn't it true that "if you're over thirty and still single, you become a wizard"? Seems like it checks out!
"I won't feel uncomfortable. I don't care what other humans think. As long as I'm with you, Aslan, that's enough. I'm your summoned and contracted dragon! My emotions rise and fall only with yours. Don't you understand that?"
Aslan instinctively took half a step back. Melusine might've looked cute right now, but in her current form, he had to restrain himself! Calm down! Calm down! Damn this hormonal teenage body!
He had it! Only one technique could save him now: redirect this emotion into another kind of love!
Aslan took a deep breath, and the fluster on his face vanished. Instead, he revealed a kind, fatherly smile. Yes... as long as he redirected his feelings, everything would be fine.
So obedient~ so adorable~ such a good daughter. Daddy will take good care of you...
If he saw this youthful girl as his girlfriend, he would feel deeply guilty. But if he saw her as his daughter, and channeled that affection into paternal love, then it was no problem at all! This was Aslan's ultimate move!
"Well then, if there's no problem, let's pack up and say goodbye to the forest fairies. If we get the chance after everything's over, we can come back here and live in seclusion."
Melusine nodded but pouted slightly as she turned around, a hint of frustration on her face. She had already been so direct—why was Aslan still acting so indifferent? Could it be that her current body just couldn't catch his attention?
But... that didn't seem to be the case either...
Still, frustrating!
Aslan didn't even seem to like those curvy fairy types. Sigh.
Just as Melusine began tidying up their little cabin, Aslan quickly withdrew from the mental role of "father." Although the role swap had helped him calm down, if he stayed in the fatherly mindset too long, he might not be able to switch back again.
Where had Melusine learned these direct love-strike tactics anyway? If he hadn't had a few clever tricks up his sleeve, today would've been a total disaster.
Just as Aslan breathed a sigh of relief, a few cherry blossom petals drifted into his view—and a faint floral fragrance reached his nose.